San Pedro de Atacama, a town burgeoning around an oasis in the Puna de Atacama, an arid high plateau in the Andes of northern Chile, is a mecca for avid adventurers and history buffs alike. Set against a backdrop of rugged sandstone canyons, dramatic salt flats and steaming geysers, the town’s surrounding topographical features are a sight to behold. At Terrantai Lodge, a historic house situated near the church and main square of the town, travelers can experience indigenous Atacama culture in a way that reflects and respects the ancient spirit of its people. Situated at the heart of the sacred Atacama Desert territories, Terrantai Lodge harbors a deep respect for Mother Earth; with water conservation and the utilization of solar energy at the forefront of its sustainability goals, this respect is demonstrably manifested in all aspects of its architectural design. Terrantai Lodge works closely with the local community to provide lodgers with the most immersive and enriching experience possible, offering a number of opportunities and activities for travelers to learn more about the local culture, explore the surrounding landscape and gain a deeper understanding of ancient Andean history. Highlights include day trips to Valle de la Luna, a valley in Los Flamencos National Reserve known for its moonlike terrain filled with voluptuous dunes and ethereal rock formations, and Laguna Chaxa, widely regarded as the best place to see flamingos in Chile. As part of the local tradition to honor and respect their elders and ancestors, the lodge also invites residents from a local elderly home to have breakfast at the hotel once a month. Full of delicious food and lively music, this monthly event is the perfect way to bring together the community and celebrate millenia-long traditions. 

Founded as a means to help travelers feel more connected with the desert and to reconnect with the spirit of the ancient desert people, Terrantai Lodge operates much like a family business, with almost all employees being local to the region. A standard double room starts at $214 per night, while smaller and more deluxe room options are also available.